Homestate Hotel Glory

Texas hotels crowned best (sorta) new places to stay in the South

In its March 2014 issue, Southern Living magazine has produced a list of the best new hotels in the South, including some recently renovated properties worth a revisit. Three Texas hotels — one each in Austin, Houston and Dallas — caught the editors' eyes.

Hotel Ella in Austin gets props for being "prim and proper with a touch of rogue masculinity." Although the property is under new ownership, it had been operating as a hotel, the Mansion at Judge's Hill, before its reincarnation as Ella last year.

Originally built in 1898 as a wedding gift from one of UT's founders, Thomas Wooten, to his son and young bride, the mansion retains its historic charm with features like a wraparound porch. But the cabana-lined pool, for example, is totally of-the-moment — especially for enjoying a well-shaken cocktail.

However, Southern Living failed to mention Hotel Ella's greatest asset: those sumptuous beds you may never want to leave. Depending on your agenda, you may never have to.

Listed among the noteworthy renovations is Hotel Derek in Houston. The property had a recent facelift courtesy of Flick-Mars, who made "brazen design choices" such as snakeskin-patterned bathroom walls, bold colors and zebra-print chairs that are "meant to echo the fashion of Houston's Galleria."

In Dallas, the Southern Living staff noticed the recently renovated Joule — although "renovation" hardly seems sufficient to describe the downtown hotel's swanky transformation. "A big-budget expansion sleeked out this 1920s landmark with multilevel penthouse suites; a bird's-eye rooftop terrace; and CBD Provisions, a modern brasserie serving proud Texas fare," the magazine notes.

Sure, but what about the new spa, fitness center, LA retail imports Traffic and TenOverSix, and Weekend coffee shop?

Sadly absent from the reno list is W Dallas Victory hotel, whose redo has likely been overshadowed by its sparkling downtown neighbor. Houston-based design firm MaRS executed the cowboy cool update to all 252 guest rooms, including 26 suites.

Hotel Ella in Austin is one of the best new hotels in the South, according to Southern Living.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Ella

Hotel Ella in Austin is one of the best new hotels in the South, according to Southern Living.

unspecified

dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

undefined

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites with their vintages, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

winery hill country fredericksburg grape creek vineyard restaurants wine enthusiast